Multi-function, magnetic, folding reusable bag with notepad, pen and clip

ABSTRACT

The present invention generally relates to reusable tote bags. Specifically, this invention relates to a reusable tote bag that is capable of securely folding in such a manner as to allow a useable writing surface attached thereto to be utilized as a built-in notepad with writing instrument and clip.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/398,473 filed Jun. 25, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to reusable tote bags. Specifically, this invention relates to a reusable tote bag that is capable of securely folding in such a manner as to allow a useable writing surface attached thereto to be utilized as a built-in notepad with writing instrument and clip.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While there are numerous reusable tote bags available, none of the reusable tote bags available in the current art provide a user the capability to affix the reusable bag to a surface for convenient storage and placement. Most frequently, reusable bags are stored in a closet, pantry, garage or other out-of-the-way area until such time that the reusable bag is desired. This is undesirable in that these reusable bags are frequently forgotten, misplaced or otherwise unavailable when needed.

An example of this is a reusable grocery bag, whereby a user would take the reusable grocery bag to a grocery store. Bags such as this are frequently and easily forgotten, only to be remembered when the individual has reached the grocery store.

Another disadvantage to reusable bags currently available is that they do not provide a manner by which they may be securely folded and stored. Like many bags, the reusable bags currently available do not stack well, nor do they secure or fasten in order to retain a desirable shape.

Finally, reusable bags currently available lack the ability to be utilized as a reusable notepad. Reusable bags are frequently used in situations where shopping or repeated trips to a specific location is required. In this manner, an individual will likely be shopping for or carrying with them numerous items, for which a list or other written reminder may be advantageous. Currently, an individual must carry separately a notepad or other writing surface to keep track of their list or other reminders.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a reusable bag capable of being conveniently stored and secured in a non-removed location and is further capable of being used as a writing surface. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be explained and will become obvious to one skilled in the art through the summary of the invention that follows.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a reusable bag capable of being conveniently stored in a non-removed location and comprised of a surface capable of being used as a writing surface.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reusable bag may be comprised of a fastening device configured to allow the reusable bag to be secured in a folded position.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reusable bag may be comprised of one or more magnets configured to allow the reusable bag to be secured to a surface.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reusable bag may be comprised of a writing surface located on the outside of the reusable bag and situated in such a manner as to allow use of the writing surface while the reusable bag is in use or stored.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reusable bag may be comprised of a clip configured to receive and retain one or more writing utensils capable of marking the writing surface of the reusable bag.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reusable bag may be comprised of a key ring configured to receive and retain one or more keys.

The foregoing summary of the present invention with the preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention. It should be understood and obvious to one skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention thus described may be further modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a reusable bag in an open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of a reusable bag in an open configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a layout view of a reusable bag in a deconstructed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a reverse layout view of a reusable bag in a deconstructed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of a reusable bag in a folded state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 shows a rear view of a reusable bag in a folded state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED SPECIFICATION

The present invention generally relates to reusable tote bags. Specifically, this invention relates to a reusable tote bag that is capable of securely folding in such a manner as to allow a useable writing surface attached thereto to be utilized as a built-in notepad with writing instrument.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reusable bag may be comprised of a container with a cavity for receiving items, one or more fastening devices, a writing surface, and one or more magnets. Optionally, the reusable bag may be further comprised of a clip component, a key ring and/or one or more handles.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the container with a cavity for receiving items may be comprised of any bag or bag-like receptacle. For example, the container may be, but is not limited to, a reusable grocery bag, a reusable shopping bag or a duffle bag. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous types of containers that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any type of container.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more fastening devices are located in operable positions on one or more locations on the container. The one or more fastening devices are configured to allow the container to be maintained in a folded or otherwise collapsed state convenient for storage. Fastening devices include, but are not limited to, Velcro, buttons, clasps, zippers and ties. In some embodiments, male and female versions of fastening devices may be required and utilized. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous types of fastening devices that may be utilized with embodiments of the present invention, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any type of fastening device.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the writing surface is received upon an exterior wall of the container. Ideally, the writing surface is located in such a manner that it is visible and useable both when the container is collapsed and expanded. In this manner, an individual may utilize the writing surface at any given time. Writing surfaces include, but are not limited to, notepads, dry-erase boards, blackboard, thermal transfer boards and electronic touch screens. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the writing surface may be comprised of numerous types of surfaces capable of being written or drawn on, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any type of writing surface.

The writing surface may be permanently or removably secured to the container. The choice as to whether a writing surface is permanently or removably secured may be based upon whether the writing surface is reusable or limited in uses. For instance, if the writing surface is a notepad comprised of paper sheets, it would be ideal for the writing surface to be removable so that new notepads could be utilized when an old notepad runs out of paper sheets.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more magnets may be received within the material of the container in such a manner as to not be visible or only be partially visible from external viewing. The one or more magnets are located at such locations on or in the container such that they may be utilized to retain the reusable bag against a surface. In this manner, the reusable bag may be folded or otherwise collapsed and stored upon a surface where it can be conveniently left until such time its use is desired. For instance, the reusable bag may be stored against a surface of a refrigerator with the magnets and back side facing the refrigerator door and the front side (containing the writing surface) facing outward. In this configuration, the reusable bag may not only be stored in a convenient location, but may be conveniently operable as a writing surface by an individual.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a reusable bag may be further comprised of an optional clip element. The clip element may be located in the vicinity of the writing surface and may be utilized to retain one or more writing utensils on the reusable bag. Advantageously, the reusable bag may retain all elements required to write upon the writing surface. Alternatively, the clip may be utilized to retain one or more items, such as coupons.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a reusable bag may be further comprised of one or more handles. The handles may be permanently or removably connected to the reusable bag in such a manner as to allow the handles to be utilized during transportation of the reusable bag. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous types of handles that may be utilized with embodiments of the present invention, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use any type of handle.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a reusable bag may be further comprised of an optional key ring element. The key ring element may be located in anywhere on the reusable bag. Advantageously, the key ring element may be utilized to retain keys or other important articles belonging to an individual and may decrease the likelihood that the individual will forget the reusable bag (e.g., if car keys are attached to the key ring element, the individual will be unable to operate their car without first grabbing the reusable bag/keys).

Exemplary Embodiments

Turning now to FIGS. 1-6, an exemplary embodiment of a reusable bag in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this exemplary embodiment, and in relation to FIGS. 1-6, the following components of the invention are enumerated:

-   -   10—Female Fastener—(5″ length)     -   12—Backing material for pen and notepad (6.2s″×6.2s″)     -   14—Backing material for magnet (1.s″×1.s″)     -   16—Male fastener (1.25″ length)     -   18—Exterior view of embedded magnets (not visible on product     -   exterior)     -   20—Clip (1″×1″)     -   22—Opening for writing instrument (0.5″)     -   24—Opening for notepad (4″ length)     -   26—Magnets (0.75″ diameter each)     -   28—Key Ring         These elements are associated with an exemplary embodiment of         the present invention. One or more of the components may be         optional and size, shape and other comments are related to an         exemplary embodiment of a reusable bag in accordance with an         embodiment of the present invention. One of ordinary skill in         the art would appreciate that components of numerous sizes,         shapes or other characteristics may be utilized with embodiments         of the present invention, and embodiments of the present         invention are contemplated for use with components of any size,         shape and characteristic.

The reusable bag shown in FIGS. 1-6 can be folded into quarters so it is a smaller square shape, and Female Fastener 10 is configured to attach to Male Fastener 16 to keep the folded closure. Backing Material 12 ensures that a pen and notepad have a pocket-like structure to reside and to avoid contact or disruption to any items that may be inside the reusable bag when opened and used as a receptacle. Backing Material 14 is designed to keep the one or more magnets 26 in a stationary position on the interior of the reusable bag in order to ensure the magnets are in the proper position 18 for use upon bag folding and fastening. Clip 20 is intended to allow users to carry papers or other small objects in the clip while the reusable bag is folded or in use as a receptacle. Opening 22 is to serve as a place for a writing instrument to be housed. Opening 24 was designed to serve as the opening for the notepad backing that will hold the notepad in place during use.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, User will fold the reusable bag into quarters and fasten the fasteners. User may then use the notepad, pen and clip in normal fashion. The magnets 26 are to allow users to affix the folded tote bag to a refrigerator or other metallic surface. Users will unfasten the fasteners and unfold the reusable bag into a receptacle shape for use in shopping or carrying various items. The notepad, pen and clip will remain in their places when the reusable bag is carried as a receptacle.

Alternative Embodiments

According to an embodiment of the present invention, different materials, sizes, shapes, folding patterns and interconnections can be used for all components. In lieu of Velcro, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, ties, buttons, or ribs and slot-slide closures can attach the panels. Various sizes and materials can be used for the magnets, notepads, writing instruments, and clip. Opening sizes can vary for all products as well as the clip size.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the unit can be perforated to encourage uniform folding and a number of folding methods, shapes and sizes can also be used. The receptacle does not necessarily need to be folded or fastened to utilize any of the features.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. The invention is capable of myriad modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 

1. A reusable bag, said reusable bag comprising: a container comprised of one or more walls, wherein said one or more walls are interconnected in such a manner as to allow for said container to move in between one or more collapsed states and expanded states, wherein an interior cavity for receiving items is formed when container is in an extended state; one or more fastening devices attached to said container, wherein said one or more fastening devices are configured to secure said container in one or more collapsed states; a writing surface attached to one or more of said one or more walls; and one or more magnets attached to one or more of said one or more walls, wherein said one or more magnets are configured to secure said reusable bag to a surface.
 2. The reusable bag of claim 1, wherein said one or more fastening devices are comprised of Velcro.
 3. The reusable bag of claim 1, wherein said one or more fastening devices are comprised of hook-and-loop fasteners.
 4. The reusable bag of claim 1, wherein said one or more fastening devices are comprised of snaps.
 5. The reusable bag of claim 1, wherein said one or more fastening devices are comprised of buttons
 6. The reusable bag of claim 1, further comprising a clip attached to one or more of said one or more walls.
 7. The reusable bag of claim 6, wherein said clip is configured to secure one or more items to said reusable bag.
 8. The reusable bag of claim 6, wherein said clip is configured to secure a writing utensil to said reusable bag.
 9. The reusable bag of claim 1, further comprising one or more handles attached to one or more of said one or more walls.
 10. The reusable bag of claim 9, wherein said handles are configured to allow for convenient transport of said reusable bag.
 11. The reusable bag of claim 1, further comprising a key ring attached to one or more of said one or more walls. 